Superman too "woke"? Former actor criticizes movie

In the 1990s, actor Dean Cain donned the superhero costume in 88 episodes of the series "Superman: The Adventures of Lois & Clark." The 58-year-old isn't impressed with what star director James Gunn has done with the character in the new "Superman" movie. Cain, an avowed fan of US President Donald Trump, told celebrity gossip portal "TMZ" that his interpretation of the material is too "woke."

"How woke does Hollywood want to make this character? How much will Disney change Snow White? Why are they changing these characters to fit the times?" Cain told TMZ. "We know Superman is an immigrant—he's a fucking alien. The 'American Way' is pro-immigrant, incredibly pro-immigrant. But there are rules."

Cain referred to statements by director Gunn ("Guardians of the Galaxy"), who told the British newspaper "The Times" that Superman's story reflects the history of America. "An immigrant who came from somewhere else and populated the country. But for me, it's more than anything a story that shows that basic human kindness is a value and something we've lost."

Cain isn't alone in his criticism. Right-wing Fox News host Jesse Waters, for example, mocked Superman by saying he "fights for truth, justice, and your preferred pronouns." Whether Waters or Cain even saw the new "Superman" movie is questionable—when their comments were made, the film hadn't even opened in theaters yet.

Gunn, in any case, reacted calmly to the criticism. At the "Superman" premiere in Los Angeles, he responded to a question about the statements that the film was for "everyone" and that he "had nothing to say" to anyone who spread negativity about "Superman." "I think this movie is about kindness, and I think that's something everyone can identify with," the director told industry publication "Variety."

RND/seb